Insect Repellent and DEET

DEET (N-diethly-meta-toluamide) is the active chemical in most insect repellents. It has been linked to skin and respiratory irritation as well as seizures. However, it is the most effective agent against insects. Below are guidelines to follow when using DEET in children.

In addition to using insect repellent, try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, use window screens and bed nets when appropriate, avoid stagnant (non-moving) water areas (kiddie pools, ponds, etc.), and avoid going outside from dusk to dawn, the prime times for mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus to bite. For more information on West Nile Virus please click here . 

Guidelines for using DEET:

• Apply sparingly to exposed skin and/or clothing; heavy application is not necessary
• Do not apply under clothing
• Never use repellent over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin
• Do not apply to infants under 2 months of age
• Do not apply to eyes, mouth, or children's hands
• Spray repellent onto your hands first and then put it on your child
• Do not spray in enclosed areas or near food
• Avoid breathing in the repellent spray
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water
• Wash treated clothing before wearing it again
• DEET concentrations of up to 30% are considered safe for both adults and children but concentrations of around 10% can be used for children if parents are concerned about the dangers of using DEET. DEET concentrations of more than 30% do not provide more protection but just last longer.

There are alternatives to traditional DEET-based insect repellents for parents who are concerned about exposing their children to the chemicals in DEET. Here is the information about non-DEET based insect repellents. It is important to note that these non-DEET insect repellents have only been shown to protect against mosquitos and not other insects such as ticks and flies.

DEET

• Off Deep Woods (SC Johnson), 23.8% DEET – 301 minutes of protection time
• Off Skintastic for Kids (SC Johnson), 4.75% DEET – 88 minutes of protection time

Herbal Repellents

Eucalyptus Oil
These were the most effective herbal repellents tested.

• Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent (WPC Brands)
  - 120 minutes protection time
• Fite Bite Plant-Based Insect Repellent (Travel Medicine)
  - 120 minutes protection time

Soybean Oil

• Bite Blocker for Kids (HOMS) soybean oil - 95 minutes protection time

Citronella
The citronella-based repellents tested protected for 20 minutes or less.
The slow release product did not provide significant added benefit.

Mineral Oil

• Skin-So-Soft Bath Oil (Avon) - 10 minutes of protection

Non-DEET Chemical Repellents

• IR3535-based repellent - A chemical repellent that has been used in Europe for over 20 years, IR3535 was approved for use in the United States in 1999.
• Skin So Soft Bug Guard (Avon) IR3535 – 22.9 minutes protection time

If you have any further questions about the use of insect repellent, please ask your doctor.

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